Lock for frame

ABSTRACT

A display apparatus is disclosed that includes a screen and a frame system positioned to support the screen. The frame system includes a plurality of frame members, a hinge that couples the frame members together, and a lock that blocks relative movement of the frame members.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/551,812, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to projection screens. More particularly,the present invention relates to tensioned projection screens.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a display apparatus isprovided including a screen and a frame system supporting the screen.The frame system has a plurality of frame members, a hinge coupling twoof the frame members together, and a lock positioned to block movementof the frame members coupled together by the hinge. The frame membersare coupled together by the hinge cooperating to define a longitudinalaxis and a transverse profile. At least a portion of the lock ispositioned within the transverse profile.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a displayapparatus is provided including a screen and a frame system supportingthe screen. The frame system has a plurality of frame members, a hingecoupling two of the frame members together, and a lock positioned toblock relative movement of the frame members. The lock includes firstand second interactive members. The first interactive member has a key.The second interactive member has a key-receiving portion that receivesthe key of the first interactive member to block relative movement ofthe frame members when the key is positioned in the key-receivingportion and to permit relative movement of the frame members when thekey is spaced apart from the key-receiving portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a displayapparatus is provided including a screen and a frame system supportingthe screen. The frame system has at least first and second framemembers, a hinge coupling the first and second frame members together,and a lock positioned to block relative movement of the first and secondframe members. The hinge includes a first hinge member, a second hingemember pivotally coupled to the first hinge member, third hinge member,and a fourth hinge member pivotally coupled to the third hinge member.The first and third hinge members are rigidly coupled to the first framemember. The second and fourth hinge members are rigidly coupled to thesecond frame member. The second hinge member is positioned between thefirst hinge member and the second frame member. The third hinge memberis positioned between the fourth hinge member and the second framemember.

Additional features of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment exemplifying the best mode ofcarrying out the invention as presently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description particularly refers to the accompanying figuresin which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a projection screen apparatusshowing the projection screen apparatus including a frame system havinga pair of support legs and a rectangular screen frame supported by thelegs and a projection screen coupled to the screen frame;

FIG. 2 is an rear exploded perspective view of the projection screenapparatus showing the frame system and the projection screen including ascreen fabric and a plurality of snaps configured to couple the screenfabric to the screen frame;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the screen frame showingthe screen frame including a pair of frame members, with portions brokenaway, a hinge pivotally coupling the frame members together, and a lockin a locked position blocking pivoting of the frame members;

FIG. 4 is a similar to FIG. 3 showing the lock in an unlocked positionpermitting the frame members to pivot on the hinge;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 showingthe lock including first and second interactive members that interact toblock pivoting of the frame members about the hinge;

FIG. 6 is view similar to FIG. 5 showing one of the interactive membersrotated by a user about a pivot pin to disengage the other interactivemember and permit pivoting of the frame members relative to one another;

FIG. 7 is view similar to FIG. 5 showing the interactive membersdisengaged and the frame members rotated relative to one another;

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing one of the interactivemembers sliding over the other interactive member during pivoting of theframe members toward the position show in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the frame members and lock ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the rectangular screen frame of FIG. 1showing the frame, with portions broken away, in a collapsed or foldedposition for storage or transportation; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a corner of the screen frame showingthe frame include a pair of frame members, with portions broken away, ahinge pivotally coupling the frame members together, and a lock blockingpivoting movement of the frame members relative to one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to the present disclosure, a display or projection screenapparatus system 10 is provided to display images projected by aprojector (not shown). Typically, projection screen apparatus 10 issupported on the floor of a building or other structure. Projectionscreen apparatus 10 may be used in either front or rear projectionapplications. In some applications, speakers (not shown) are positionedbehind the projection screen apparatus 10 so that the sound istransmitted through projection screen apparatus 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, projection screen apparatus 10 includes a framesystem 12 and a projection screen 14. Frame system 12 includes arectangular screen frame 16 and a pair of support legs 18 that supportframe 16 at an elevated position. Projection screen 14 include screenfabric 20 and a plurality of couplers or snaps 22 that couple screenfabric 20 on frame 16. When coupled to frame 16, projection screen 14 istensioned on frame 16 to provide a substantially flat viewing surface(not shown).

Typically, screen fabric 20 is blank to reflect or otherwise show animage provided by a projector. According to one embodiment, screenfabric 20 of display system 10 is provided with printed or other typesof graphics used for advertisements or other information or aestheticpurposes. Screen fabric 20 is preferably made of vinyl. According toother embodiments, other fabrics are provided such as those disclosed inU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/546,410, titledReinforced Projection Screen Fabric, to Jerry L. McPherson, Jr., filedFeb. 20, 2004, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated hereinby reference, or U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/327,421, titledTensioned Projection Screen, to Kenneth M. Risher, filed Dec. 12, 2002,the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference,and other fabrics known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingto other embodiments, other coupling devices are provided for couplingthe screen fabric to the screen frame. For example, according to otherembodiments, the coupling system disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/327,421, titled Tensioned Projection Screen, to Kenneth M.Risher, filed Dec. 20, 2002, the disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated herein by reference, hook-and-loop fastener strips,adhesive, stay-puts, and other known coupling devices or methods areprovided.

Frame 16 includes top, bottom, left, and right assemblies 24, 26, 28, 30that meet to define first, second, third, and fourth corners 32, 34, 36,38 as shown in FIG. 2. To facilitate storage and/or transportation,assemblies 24, 26, 28, 30 each fold or “break down” so that frame 16 isa more compact unit as shown in FIG. 10.

Top and bottom assemblies 24, 26 each include right, left, and middletubular frame members 40, 42, 44. Left and right assemblies 28, 30 eachinclude top and bottom tubular frame members 46, 48. Each frame member40, 42, 44, 46, 48 is made of extruded aluminum having foursubstantially flat sidewalls 50 and four rounded corners 52 as shown inFIG. 4 that cooperate to define an outer wall and two ends of each framemember 40, 41, 44, 46, 48.

Top, bottom, left, and right assemblies 24, 26, 28, 30 also includehinges 54 between right and left frame members 40, 42 and middle framemembers 44 and between top and bottom frame members 46, 48. Hinges 54provide for pivoting between the respective frame members 40, 42, 44,46, 48.

Top, bottom, left, and right assemblies 24, 26, 28, 30 also includelocks 56 between right and left frame members 40, 42 and middle framemembers 44 and between top and bottom frame members 46, 48. Locks 56 arepositioned in a passage defined by respective frame members 40, 42, 44,46, 48 and block pivoting movement of these respective frame members 40,42, 44, 46, 48 during setup and use of projection screen apparatus 10 asshown in FIG. 3 for exemplary frame members 40, 44. When it is time tostore or transport screen apparatus 10, lock 56 is moved to an unlockedposition so that frame members 40, 44 can pivot about hinge 54 as shownin FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 9, hinge 54 includes two inner hinge plates or members58 rigidly coupled to respective frame members 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, twoouter hinge plates or members 60 rigidly coupled to respective framemembers 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, a plurality of rivets 61, and a spacer orbushing 62. Inner and outer hinge plates 58, 60 are coupled to framemembers 40, 44 by rivets 61. When assembled, outer hinge plates 60 arepositioned outside of inner hinge plates 58 and coupled together byrivet 61 with bushing 62 positioned over one of rivets 61 between innerhinge plates 58. The outer diameter or width of bushing 62 is greaterthan a distance between the ends of respective frame members 40, 42, 44,46, 48 when aligned as shown in FIG. 3. When respective frame members40, 42, 44, 46, 48 are aligned, each hinge plate 58, 60 overlaps two ofthe respective frame members 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 as shown in FIG. 3 forframe members 40, 44. Furthermore, inner hinge plates 58 are sandwichedbetween outer hinge plates 60 and respective frame members 40, 42, 44,46, 48 as shown in FIG. 3 for frame members 40, 44.

Lock 56 includes first and second lock members or interactive members64, 66, a biaser or spring 68, a pair of sintered bronze bushings 70,and a rivet or pivot member 72. First interactive member 64 ispositioned inside of frame member 40 and pivots about a pivot axisdefined by rivet 72 on bushings 70. Second interactive member 66 ispositioned inside frame member 44 and held against rotation by rivets 61that couple inner and outer plates 58, 60 to frame member 44. First andsecond interactive members 64, 66 are preferably made of extrudedaluminum. According to alternative embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other materials are used such as plastic materials, othermetals, and other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 5, first interactive member 64 engages secondinteractive member 70 to block relative pivoting of frame members 40,44. Spring 68 urges first interactive member 64 toward secondinteractive member 66 to maintain this engagement. When in the lockedposition, ends of frame members 40, 44 preferably abut so that thedistance between frame members 40, 44 is minimal. However, dependingupon the precision of the machining and assembly, a small gap may existbetween the end of frame members 40, 44 when in the locked position.When in this position, first and second interactive members 64, 70extend through the ends of each frame member 40, 44 so that a portion ofeach frame member 40, 44 is positioned within each frame member 40, 44as shown in FIG. 5.

When locked, frame members 40, 44 cooperate to define a longitudinalaxis and define a relatively square transverse profile. Preferably, themajority of lock 56 is positioned within this transverse profile tolimit the exposure of lock 56 outside of frame members 40, 44 to avoidinterference with screen 14.

As shown in FIG. 6, first interactive member 64 includes a body portion74, a locking portion 76, and a button or release portion 78. Bodyportion 74 includes a first groove or notch 78 to receive a portion ofspring 68 and a second groove or notch 80 to receive portions of pinmember 72 and bushings 70.

Second interactive member 66 includes a body portion 82 and a lockingportion 84. Body portion 82 includes a pair of grooves 86, 88 to receiveportions of rivets 61 and a pair of extension 90. Extensions 90 have awidth that is equal to or slightly smaller than the inner width of flatside walls 50 so that extensions 90 are blocked from sliding laterallyby inner portions of rounded corners 52. This assists in centeringsecond interactive member 66 within frame member 44 during assembly.

Locking portions 76, 84 of first and second interactive members 64, 66are shaped to facilitate locking and unlocking of lock 56. Key-receivingor locking portion 84 of second interactive member 66 includes first,second, third, and fourth surfaces 92, 94, 96, 98. As shown in FIG. 7,first, second, and third surfaces 92, 94, 96 are relatively flat andcooperate to define a groove, or notch 99 that receives a key 100 offirst interactive member 64. First and second surfaces 92, 94 cooperateto define an angle of 95°. First surface 92 also cooperates with a line(not shown) extending between rivets 61 and pivot member 72 to define anangle of 95° when lock 56 is in the locked position as shown in FIG. 5.Third surface 96 is substantially tangent to the pivot axis defined bypivot member 72.

Key 100 is wedge-shaped and includes first, second, and third relativelyflat surfaces 102, 104, 106 and body portion 74 of first interactivemember 64 includes a curved surface 108. First and second surfaces 102,104 cooperate to define and angle of 95°. First surface 102 alsocooperates with the line (not shown) extending between rivets 61 andpivot member 72 to define an angle of 95° when lock 56 is in the lockedposition as shown in FIG. 5. Third surface 106 is substantially tangentto pivot axis defined by pivot member 72.

When first and second interactive members 64, 66 are in the lockedposition, first surface 102 of first interactive member 64 abuts firstsurface 92 of second interactive member 66 as shown in FIG. 5. Thisabutment prevents frame member 44 from pivoting any further toward framemember 40 so that frame members 40, 44 have little, if any, “play”therebetween even if a gap exists between frame members 40, 44.Similarly, third surface 106 of first interactive member 64 abuts thirdsurface 96 of second interactive member 66 to block frame member 44 frompivoting away from frame member 40 to block pivoting between framemembers 40, 44.

To unlock lock 56, a user presses down on release portion 78 of firstinteractive member 64 that extends through an aperture 110 formed inframe member 40. Release portion 78 includes a first extension orportion 112 that extends outside of the relatively square transverseprofile and second extension 114 partially positioned within andpartially outside the relatively square transverse profile. Preferably,upper surface 116 of release portion 78 and first extension 112 includea plurality of ridges, shown in FIG. 4, that provide traction for theuser's thumb or finger. The force applied to first extension 112 by theusers thumb or finger is transmitted through aperture 110.

First extension 112 limits the rotation of first interactive member 64in direction 118 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. Similarly, second extension114 blocks rotation of first interactive member 64 in direction 120 asshown in FIG. 5. Second extension 114 also blocks objects from enteringan interior 116 of frame member 40 through aperture 110.

By having the 95° angles, key 100 of first interactive member 64 andnotch 99 of second interactive member 66 are slightly wedge-shaped andkey 100 is less likely to catch on second interactive member 66 than ifthe angles were 90°. According to other embodiments of the presentdisclosure, other angles are provided such as 90°, 92.5°, 97.5°, and100°. Curved surface 108 of first interactive member 64 providesclearance for curved surface 98 of second interactive member 66.

When first interactive member 64 is moved to the position shown in FIG.6, first and second frame members 40, 44 can be pivoted relative to oneanother up to 180° so that first and second frame members 40, 44 arepositioned adjacent one another as shown in FIG. 10.

To unfold frame members 40, 44, they are rotated back toward each otherabout hinge 54. Second surface 104 of key 100 rides over curved fourthsurface or cam 98 of second interactive member 66 as shown in FIG. 8until key 100 falls into notch 99 as shown in FIG. 5.

As shown in FIG. 11, hinges 122 are provided at each corner 32, 34, 36,38 of frame 16. Hinges 122 include a pair of hinge plates 124, a firstpair of rivets 126 that couple hinge plates 124 to exemplary framemember 48, and a pivot member 130 that pivotally couples hinge plates124 to exemplary frame member 40.

A lock 132 is provided at each corner 32, 34, 36, 38 that blocksrelative rotation of the respective frame members 40, 44, 46, 48. Eachlock 132 includes first and second lock members 134, 136, a pivot member135 that pivotally couples lock members 134, 136 together, and a pair ofpivot members 138 that pivotally couple the respective lock members 134,136 to respective frame members 40, 44, 46, 48 as shown in FIG. 11 forexemplary frame members 40, 48. First lock member 134 is U-shaped toreceive a portion of second lock member 136. Each frame member 40, 48includes a slot 137 in which lock members 134, 136 are positioned whenframe 16 is folded. To unlock lock 132, lock members 134, 136 are pushedor pulled away from hinge 122. To lock lock 132, lock members 134, 136are pushed or pulled toward hinge 122.

As shown in FIG. 2, each leg 18 includes an upright 139, a base 140, anda brace 142. Upright 139 includes three tubular frame members 143, 144,146 similar to frame members 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 and locks 56 betweenframe members 143, 144, 146. Base 140 includes two tubular frame members148, 150 similar to frame members 40, 42, 44, 46, 48. Hinges 122 andlock 132 are provided between upright 139 and frame members 148, 150 toprovide for pivoting movement and locking between upright 139 and framemembers 148, 150. One lock 132 is positioned in the interior regions offrame members 146, 148 and one lock 132 is positioned on the exterior offrame members 146, 150 as shown in FIG. 2.

Brace 142 includes two tubular frame members 152, 154 similar to framemembers 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, a lock 54 between frame members 152, 154, ahinge 156 between frame member 152 and base frame member 148, and acoupling member 158 pivotally coupled to frame member 154. A threadedknob 160 is provided that releasably couples member 158 to frame member144. Frame member 154 is divided into two separate pieces and includes atelescoping member (not shown) positioned therein to permit the lengthof frame member 154 to be extended or retracted. Another knob 163 isprovided to block extension or retraction of frame member 154 whentightened and to allow extension or retraction of frame member 154 whenloosened.

Frame members 46, 48 of frame 16 include a plurality of threadedapertures 162 that receive knobs 164. To adjust the height of frame 16,knobs 164 are unscrewed, aligned with the next set of lower or higherapertures 162, and screwed into said apertures 162. If necessary, knobs164 can be removed from legs 18 and repositioned in other locations inthe provided apertures 165.

To store screen apparatus 10, frame 16 is uncoupled from legs 18 byunscrewing knobs 164; screen 14 is removed from frame 16; each lock 54,132 of frame 16 is unlocked and frame members 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 arefolded 90° or 180° to the position shown in FIG. 10; knob 160 of legs 18are unscrewed; each lock 54, 132 of legs 18 are unlocked; and framemembers 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152, 154 are folded 90° or 180°. Tosetup screen apparatus 10, the above steps are done in reverse order.

Preferably, instructions for the assembly, installation, and/or use ofprojection screen apparatus 10 are provided with projection screenapparatus 10 or otherwise communicated to permit a person or machine toassemble, install and/or use projection screen apparatus 10. Suchinstructions may include a description of any or all portions ofprojection screen apparatus 10 and/or any or all of the above-describedassembly, installation, and use of projection screen apparatus 10 orcomponents of projection screen apparatus 10. The instructions may beprovided on separate papers and/or on the packaging in which projectionscreen apparatus 10 is sold or shipped. These instructions may also beprovided over the Internet or other communication system. Furthermore,the instructions may be embodied as text, pictures, audio, video, or anyother medium or method of communicating instructions known to those ofordinary skill in the art.

Although the present invention has been described in detail withreference to preferred embodiments, variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the present invention as described anddefined in the following claims.

1. A display apparatus including a screen and a frame system supportingthe screen, the frame system having a plurality of frame members, ahinge coupling two of the frame members together, and a lock positionedto block movement of the frame members coupled together by the hinge,the frame members coupled together by the hinge cooperating to define alongitudinal axis and a transverse profile, at least a portion of thelock being positioned within the transverse profile.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the lock includes first and second lock members thatmove relative to one another to permit the frame members to moverelative to one another, a portion of the first lock member beingpositioned within the transverse profile and a portion of the first lockmember being positioned outside of the transverse profile.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 2, wherein the second lock member is positionedcompletely within the transverse profile.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the frame members coupled together by the hinge are tubular andcooperate to define a passage, and a majority of the lock is positionedwithin the passage.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe frame members coupled together by the hinge is tubular and has anouter wall, two ends, and an aperture positioned between the two ends,at least one of the first and second lock members is movable relative tothe other lock member due to force applied to the lock, the force beingtransmitted through the aperture.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe hinge includes a plurality of hinge plates and fasteners, at leastone of the fasteners extends through at least a portion of at least oneof the hinge plates, at least one of the first and second lock members,and a portion of at least one of the frame members.
 7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second lock memberspivots about a pivot axis between a locked position blocking movement ofthe frame members on the hinge and an unlocked position permittingmovement of the frame members on the hinge, the pivot axis extendsthrough at least one of the frame members coupled together by the hinge.8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame members coupled togetherby the hinge are tubular and have an outer wall and two ends, the firstlock member extends through an end of each of the frame members coupledtogether by the hinge.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstlock member includes a key, the second lock member includes akey-receiving portion that receives the key of the first interactivemember to block relative movement of the frame members coupled togetherby the hinge, the hinge includes a first hinge plate and a second hingeplate pivotally coupled to the first hinge plate, at least the firsthinge plates overlaps each of the frame members coupled together by thehinge, and the screen is substantially blank.
 10. A display apparatusincluding a screen and a frame system supporting the screen, the framesystem having a plurality of frame members, a hinge coupling two of theframe members together, and a lock positioned to block relative movementof the frame members, the lock including first and second interactivemembers, the first interactive member having a key, and the secondinteractive member having a key-receiving portion that receives the keyof the first interactive member to block relative movement of the framemembers when the key is positioned in the key-receiving portion and topermit relative movement of the frame members when the key is spacedapart from the key-receiving portion.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10,wherein the key includes a substantially flat surface and thekey-receiving portion includes a substantially flat surface that abutsthe substantially flat surface of the key when the key is positioned inthe key-receiving portion.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein atleast one of the first and second interactive members pivots about apivot axis and the substantially flat surfaces of the key andkey-receiving portions are substantially tangent to the pivot axis. 13.The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the key is wedge-shaped and thekey-receiving portion compliments the wedge shape of the key.
 14. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the key includes a pair of substantiallyflat surfaces and the key-receiving portion includes a pair ofsubstantially flat surfaces that abut the substantially flat surfaces ofthe key when the key is positioned in the key-receiving portion.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the second interactive member includes acam and the key rides over the cam before being positioned in thekey-receiving portion to block movement of the frame members relative toone another.
 16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the frame membersare tubular and cooperate to define a passage and a majority of the lockis positioned in the passage.
 17. A display apparatus including a screenand a frame system supporting the screen, the frame system having atleast first and second frame members, a hinge coupling the first andsecond frame members together, and a lock positioned to block relativemovement of the first and second frame members, the hinge including afirst hinge member, a second hinge member pivotally coupled to the firsthinge member, third hinge member, and a fourth hinge member pivotallycoupled to the third hinge member, the first and third hinge membersbeing rigidly coupled to the first frame member, the second and fourthhinge members being rigidly coupled to the second frame member, thesecond hinge member being positioned between the first hinge member andthe second frame member, and the third hinge member being positionedbetween the fourth hinge member and the second frame member.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein the second hinge member is sandwichedbetween the first hinge member and the first and second frame members.19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first and fourth framemembers are stamped to include a jog so that the first and fourth framemembers cooperate with the first and second frame members to define gapsto receive the second and third hinge members.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth hinge memberspivot about a pivot axis and the first and second frame members includeradially outermost walls, the first, second, third, and fourth hingemembers include radially outermost portions that are radially positionedbetween the radially outermost walls of the first and second framemembers and the pivot axis.